In the chapter "Telemachus with Nestor," Athene and Telemachus begin by arriving at the Island of Pylos. They see a ritual being performed of sacrificing 9 bulls. There were 9 companies performing said ritual. Athene informs Telemachus he must go to Nester and tell him of their journey to find out the truth about his father, the great Odysseus. Telemachus is uncertain in himself and fears he may not win the approval of Nester. However, when they arrive they are welcomed with great hospitality. They sit down to a feast and provide an offering to the gods, including a wine-offering. Telemachus talks about his journey to Pylos and Nester the purpose of their trip. Then, Nester being impressed by Telemachus's ability to manipulate words like his father, tells of the story of how all the men separated after the war. He tells him of Zeus and Agamemnon. Eventually, Athene reveals herself and tells Nester everything she wants him to do for Telemachus. She flies away in the form of a hawk. Nester, impressed that Telemachus is already being accompanied by gods, treats Telemachus extremely well. He also preys to Athene using wine.
Major Themes (with page numbers): (Maeve)
Hospitality (pg. 37- 40) is shown when Nestor hosts the fest and lets Telemachus stay at his house. Justice was included when they were telling stories of Agamemnon and sailing (pg. 31). Loyalty to the gods was shown by the sacrifices of food to the gods before dinner (pg. 38). Disguise is another theme in this chapter because Athene turns into a vulture.
Locations Traveled and Mentioned: (Pam)
Pylos, Greece
Telemachus talks to Nestor about the times in Troy
Argos which was in the story Nestor tells Telemachus
Study Guide Questions:
What are the people on the shores of Pylos doing? (Sara S)
They are sacrificing black bulls to the god of the sea, Poseidon. This was a religion ceremony.
Why is Telemachus nervous about approaching Nestor? (Sara S)
Telemachus isn't very good with public speaking. Also, Nestor is Pylos's king, so he probably feels intimidated and nervous when speaking with the king of the city that he is currently in. The king would have the power to do just about anything to him if he upset him.
What does Telemachus ask Nestor? (Sara S)
Telemachus asks Nestor if he has any knowledge regarding his father Odysseus. He wonders if he knows if he is dead or alive, which is his main goal of this trip.
Why did Zeus plan disaster for Nestor’s return journey? (Sara S)
Zeus planned a disaster because in the war, they hadn't acted respectfully and behaved well, and after the war was over.
Briefly explain the story of Agamemnon (Katie T)
Agamemnon was sacrificing people to Athene. In the morning they left, with Agamemnon as the commander-in-chief. Zeus didn't want the soldiers to leave, and he caused dissension among the men, until eventually a squadron turned and went to Troy; they were Odysseus' followers. Soon after, Agamemnon landed back in Greece, and was killed by Aegisthus. Orestes, Agamemnon's son, killed him in revenge.
What warning/advice does Nestor give to Telemachus? (Katie T)
He says not to stray too far/too long away from home, or to leave his wealth unguarded with the Suitors in his house.
What does Athene turn into? (Katie T)
She turns into a vulture.
What does Nestor do to please Athene? (Katie T)
He takes a bowl of wine, aged ten years, and prays to Athene.
Chapter 3 - Telemachus With Nestor
Summary: Olivia M
In the chapter "Telemachus with Nestor," Athene and Telemachus begin by arriving at the Island of Pylos. They see a ritual being performed of sacrificing 9 bulls. There were 9 companies performing said ritual. Athene informs Telemachus he must go to Nester and tell him of their journey to find out the truth about his father, the great Odysseus. Telemachus is uncertain in himself and fears he may not win the approval of Nester. However, when they arrive they are welcomed with great hospitality. They sit down to a feast and provide an offering to the gods, including a wine-offering. Telemachus talks about his journey to Pylos and Nester the purpose of their trip. Then, Nester being impressed by Telemachus's ability to manipulate words like his father, tells of the story of how all the men separated after the war. He tells him of Zeus and Agamemnon. Eventually, Athene reveals herself and tells Nester everything she wants him to do for Telemachus. She flies away in the form of a hawk. Nester, impressed that Telemachus is already being accompanied by gods, treats Telemachus extremely well. He also preys to Athene using wine.Major Themes (with page numbers): (Maeve)
Hospitality (pg. 37- 40) is shown when Nestor hosts the fest and lets Telemachus stay at his house.Justice was included when they were telling stories of Agamemnon and sailing (pg. 31).
Loyalty to the gods was shown by the sacrifices of food to the gods before dinner (pg. 38).
Disguise is another theme in this chapter because Athene turns into a vulture.
Locations Traveled and Mentioned: (Pam)
Pylos, Greece
Telemachus talks to Nestor about the times in Troy
Argos which was in the story Nestor tells Telemachus
Study Guide Questions:
What are the people on the shores of Pylos doing? (Sara S)
They are sacrificing black bulls to the god of the sea, Poseidon. This was a religion ceremony.
Why is Telemachus nervous about approaching Nestor? (Sara S)
Telemachus isn't very good with public speaking. Also, Nestor is Pylos's king, so he probably feels intimidated and nervous when speaking with the king of the city that he is currently in. The king would have the power to do just about anything to him if he upset him.
What does Telemachus ask Nestor? (Sara S)
Telemachus asks Nestor if he has any knowledge regarding his father Odysseus. He wonders if he knows if he is dead or alive, which is his main goal of this trip.
Why did Zeus plan disaster for Nestor’s return journey? (Sara S)
Zeus planned a disaster because in the war, they hadn't acted respectfully and behaved well, and after the war was over.
Briefly explain the story of Agamemnon (Katie T)
Agamemnon was sacrificing people to Athene. In the morning they left, with Agamemnon as the commander-in-chief. Zeus didn't want the soldiers to leave, and he caused dissension among the men, until eventually a squadron turned and went to Troy; they were Odysseus' followers. Soon after, Agamemnon landed back in Greece, and was killed by Aegisthus. Orestes, Agamemnon's son, killed him in revenge.
What warning/advice does Nestor give to Telemachus? (Katie T)
He says not to stray too far/too long away from home, or to leave his wealth unguarded with the Suitors in his house.
What does Athene turn into? (Katie T)
She turns into a vulture.
What does Nestor do to please Athene? (Katie T)
He takes a bowl of wine, aged ten years, and prays to Athene.